Route 66 – Facts and Trivia
The allure of Route 66, the "Mother Road," continues to captivate imaginations even decades after its official decommissioning. While modern maps no longer feature this iconic highway, its spirit endures in the hearts of those who yearn for a taste of classic Americana. This article delves into the fascinating facts and intriguing trivia that make Route 66 a legend.
One might be surprised to learn that a tangible piece of Route 66 resides far from its original path. The Smithsonian’s National Museum in Washington, D.C., houses an exhibit called "America On the Move," which includes an actual section of the historic pavement. This artifact serves as a powerful reminder of the road’s significance in shaping American culture and transportation.
The precise length of Route 66 remains a subject of debate. While most sources approximate it at 2,448 miles (about 4,000 kilometers), this figure is merely an estimate. The road underwent numerous realignments throughout its history, making a definitive measurement challenging. Its constantly evolving nature is part of what makes tracing its path such an adventure.
Officially commissioned on November 11, 1926, Route 66 was ingeniously assembled by incorporating existing road segments wherever possible. This pragmatic approach allowed for a relatively quick establishment of the route, connecting communities and facilitating travel across a vast expanse of the country.
Route 66 traverses eight states and three time zones, a testament to its expansive reach. These states, forever linked by the Mother Road, are Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Each state contributed unique landscapes, cultures, and roadside attractions to the Route 66 experience.
In its early days, only a fraction of Route 66 was paved. In 1926, a mere 800 miles of the road boasted a paved surface. It wasn’t until 1937 that the entire route was finally paved end-to-end, a milestone that significantly improved travel conditions and further cemented its status as a major artery.
A peculiar geographical anomaly exists in Albuquerque, New Mexico, due to a 1937 realignment. At the intersection of Central Avenue and 4th Street, Route 66 effectively crosses itself. This unique spot allows travelers to literally stand on the corner of Route 66 and Route 66, a quirky photo opportunity for those exploring the Mother Road.
Among the countless landmarks that dot Route 66, the Round Barn in Arcadia, Oklahoma, stands out as one of the most iconic and photographed. Its distinctive circular design and historical significance have made it a beloved symbol of the Mother Road’s enduring appeal.
The numerical designation "66" was officially assigned to the Chicago-to-Los Angeles route in the summer of 1926. This seemingly simple number quickly became synonymous with freedom, adventure, and the open road, capturing the spirit of a nation on the move.
Beginning in Chicago, Illinois, and culminating in Santa Monica, California, Route 66 represents a cross-country journey through the heart of America. The Chevrolet Corvette, with its sleek design and powerful engine, has become an iconic symbol of the route, embodying the spirit of American automotive innovation and the allure of the open road.
A significant portion of the original Route 66 remains in use in Texas. An impressive 91% of the historic route within the state’s borders is still drivable, offering travelers a substantial stretch of authentic Mother Road experience.
In Tucumcari, New Mexico, a Texaco station stands proudly on the corner of Route 66 and First Street. This station holds the distinction of being the only service station that has operated continuously from the Route 66 era to the present day, a living testament to the road’s enduring legacy.
Kansas may possess the shortest section of the Mother Road, spanning a mere 13 miles. However, this compact stretch is home to three historic Route 66 towns: Baxter Springs, Galena, and Riverton. These towns offer a concentrated dose of Route 66 charm, packed with vintage buildings, quirky attractions, and a palpable sense of history.
In 1928, promoters organized a coast-to-coast foot race as a publicity stunt. This grueling race not only covered the entire 2,448 miles of the Mother Road but also extended beyond Chicago to New York City. The event showcased the road’s prominence and generated considerable excitement.
The official decommissioning of Route 66 as a federal highway occurred in 1985. The rise of the Interstate Highway System gradually diminished the road’s importance as a primary transportation route. Public demand for improved infrastructure and the deterioration of the old road after World War II ultimately led to its decommissioning.
Route 66 boasts several nicknames, each reflecting a different facet of its significance. "Mother Road," "The Main Street of America," and "The Will Rogers Highway" are among the most well-known, capturing its role as a vital artery, a symbol of American commerce, and a tribute to a beloved entertainer. Remarkably, approximately 85% of the road is still drivable, allowing modern travelers to experience its magic firsthand.
Bobby Troup’s timeless song, "Get Your Kicks on Route 66," penned in 1946, has become inextricably linked to the road’s identity. Performed and remixed by numerous artists, including Nat King Cole and the Rolling Stones, the song’s infectious melody and evocative lyrics have cemented its place in popular culture.
Throughout its history, Route 66 underwent continuous evolution, leaving behind numerous abandoned stretches of concrete waiting to be rediscovered. Cyrus Stevens Avery of Tulsa, Oklahoma, is widely regarded as the "Father of Route 66," playing a pivotal role in its conception and promotion.
Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll, was known to frequent the Best Western Trade Winds Motel in Clinton, Oklahoma, adding to the road’s allure. Lou Mitchell’s Cafe in Chicago, opened in 1923, has been a beloved starting point for travelers embarking on their Route 66 adventures, serving breakfast all day.
While Interstate highways such as I-55, I-44, I-40, I-15, and I-10 largely replaced Route 66, a surprisingly large amount of the original road remains accessible to adventurous travelers seeking an authentic experience.
At the Cozy Dog Drive Inn in Springfield, Illinois, a "corn dog" is known as a "Cozy Dog." Ed Waldmire introduced this iconic fast food at the 1946 Illinois State Fair, and the Cozy Dog Drive Inn, established in 1950, continues to serve this Mother Road staple.
Reliable road signs are not always guaranteed along Route 66. While some states and organizations have erected signs, souvenir hunters often pilfer them. Traveling from west to east is historically inaccurate and more challenging, as most documentation follows the traditional east-to-west route.
John Steinbeck, in his acclaimed novel The Grapes of Wrath, published in 1939, popularized the term "Mother Road" to describe Route 66, further solidifying its symbolic importance. The original starting point of Route 66 in Chicago was at Michigan Avenue and Jackson Boulevard. Following the 1933 World’s Fair, the terminus shifted to Lake Shore Drive at the entrance to Grant Park.
The CBS television series Route 66, which premiered on October 7, 1960, starred George Maharis and Martin Milner. The show featured the actors driving baby-blue Corvettes, although the show was filmed in black and white. Despite its name, the series was rarely filmed near the actual Route 66, showcasing locations throughout the United States.
Cyrus Avery, the "Father of Route 66," also coined the phrase "The Main Street of America" in 1927, further emphasizing the road’s role as a vital commercial and social artery.
The final original Route 66 road sign was removed in Chicago on January 17, 1977, marking a symbolic end to an era.
The KiMo Theater in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of Bobby Darnall, a young boy who tragically died in a 1951 boiler explosion at the theater. Legend has it that the mischievous spirit causes disturbances during performances, prompting the cast to leave doughnuts backstage as a peace offering.
The Eagle Hotel in Wilmington, Illinois, stands as the oldest hotel on Route 66. Though currently vacant, this historic 1836 hotel, which once accommodated stagecoach travelers, is slated for restoration.
The first McDonald’s restaurant was established on the Mother Road in San Bernardino, California, in 1945. The site now houses the McDonald’s Route 66 Museum.
Adrian, Texas, is often touted as the "geo-mathematical" center of Route 66, although some argue that Vega, Texas, holds this distinction. Depending on the specific alignment taken, both claims may be valid.
Oklahoma boasts more miles of the original Route 66 than any other state, providing ample opportunities for travelers to explore its historic path.
It is possible to "own" or "adopt" a stretch of old Route 66, allowing individuals to contribute to its preservation and legacy.
Arizona contains the longest continuous stretch of the historic highway still in use today, offering a substantial and authentic driving experience.
Quapaw, Oklahoma, the first town on the Mother Road in Oklahoma, is renowned for its "spook lights," mysterious balls of light that have been reported since the 1700s.
The Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis, Missouri, was featured in the 1981 film Escape From New York. The bridge was repaved for the movie and remains open as the world’s longest pedestrian and bicycle bridge.
Tucumcari’s Tee Pee Curios is the last curio store on Route 66 between Albuquerque and Amarillo, offering a glimpse into the road’s vibrant past.